Doting, doting and more doting

Sunday morning, Isa and I went to have breakfast at Bob Evans. I actually prefer a Cracker Barrel breakfast, but am not keen on the wait. So, Bob Evans is the next best choice for biscuits and gravy. I know, I'm Hispanic, but I love biscuits and gravy. Of course, if there was a local place that made great huevos rancheros or huevos con chorizo, I'd definitely be there. But no. Like most Mexican food in Columbia, if I want 'good' food, I have to cook it. And, Sunday morning, well, I just didn't feel like cooking.

It was the first day in the last 4 or 5 that I actually felt normal. I had been fighting a sinus infection all that time and had the worst headaches I've had in a long time. This along with all of the other pregnancy stuff made for an unpleasant week. Add to that, Isa being sick for a couple of days, and then Matt waking up with a horrible fever Saturday morning. Ugh, just not the greatest week.

So, this Sunday, Isa and I splurged a bit. Just the girls, while daddy rested in bed at home. I could tell he was feeling better though 'cause he was joking while got ready to leave. I hate to see him sick so it was nice to see him smile and act like himself.

As we arrived at Bob Evans, we were seated within 5 minutes. (That would never happen on a late Sunday morning at Cracker Barrel.) Of course, it didn't take long for the hostess and server to dote on Isa. It's something were used to now, but it still makes her feel great. Her lack of shyness and just shining personality don't help matters. She jokes with people and just gives them that cute little smile Matt and I love.

An older couple sitting near us played with her the entire meal. The older gentleman actually asked me if he could play with hr for a bit. After a quick yes, he leaned over and asked her if he could marry her. Isa quickly responded, "no." "Why not?" said the man. "Because, I'm not big enough," she responded. "Well," he continued, "can I be your boyfriend?" She smiled and said no. People at the other tables were already smiling and laughing at her smart remarks. She enjoyed it.

It was a fun morning just me and her. After breakfast, we made a quick run for some Gatorade and 7Up for Matt. I told Sarah, our good friend about the morning. She laughed and said something we need to remember when the new Walker arrives. She told us to keep in mind all the attention Isa gets now. Things will change with the new baby. I expect Isa to have some jealousy, but I think she'll do okay. She's really excited about having a little sister. Although, we've told her it might be a boy too. We'll see come August.

Funny email

I got this email from a teammate this morning. It's too funny to pass up on a Monday morning.

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I cannot accept,
and the wisdom to hide the bodies of those people I had
to kill today because they pissed me off.

And, also help me to be careful of the toes I step on
today as they may be connected to the ass that I may
have to kiss tomorrow.

Help me to always give 100% at work...
12% on Monday
23% on Tuesday
40% on Wednesday
20% on Thursday
5% on Fridays

And help me to remember...
When I'm having a really bad day, and it seems that
people are trying to piss me off, that it takes 42 muscles
to frown and only 4 to extend my middle finger and tell
them to bite me!

Week 14 couldn't come any sooner

Today, marks the beginning of my 14th week of pregnancy and the beginning of my 2nd trimester. As excited as I am about the new person growing inside of me, I couldn't wait to get to this point. To me, the 2nd trimester is the most exciting part of being pregnant. At this point, you are more likely done with the nausea and sickness, which, thank goodness, is the case for me. And, from my previous experience, the final trimester was more uncomfortable than enjoyable.

With this 14th week, if am finally feeling better and have actually enjoyed food (some food, not all). Which is more than I could say just a week ago. The fatigue is still here, but I can deal with it. I was just hoping the nausea would go away so I wouldn't have to resort to taking any more pills than I have to. I was merely holding on for the 14th week to see what was going to happen.

I'm also excited about this stage of the pregnancy because I'll get to feel the baby for the first time in a few weeks and we'll get to see what we're having in early April. Matt and I really don't care what we have, as long as it's healthy and has 10 fingers and toes. Matt worries more about the baby being healthy because of his medical history, but I trust that God will take care of us regardless.

This week has been a little rough on me. Matt's been on a work trip since Sunday, thankfully returning tonight. I have to say, I am exhausted. Taking care of a 5-year old, 2 50-lbs dogs and the house work has left me pretty tired. I don't know how you it Natalie. And, work has been crazy busy with a handful of urgent projects along with lots of little ones that pop up. That's not even including my freelance work which has taken a hit. As soon as Matt gets home, I'll be glad to have someone to share the responsibilities with, and finally get some rest.

Money Clips

I happened across this clip on YouTube. It's the opening video our church used for a financial series titled "SmartMoney." If you're a Dave Ramsey fan, you can tell there's some influence.

The devastation at Union

Here are a few photos I've come across online that are a good representation of the damage at Union University after an F4 tornado tour through campus on Tuesday, February 5th around 7pm.


The building in this photo, Jennings Hall, marks the origin or touchdown of the tornado.


The clock tower, near Jennings Hall, marks the time the tornado came through the Union campus.


The men's dorm complex is located in the upper middle portion of this photo. The women's dorm is just opposite of it, toward the middle of the photo. The buildings are in a fan-like layout. Many of the individual buildings were completely destroyed, the rest have been tagged unlivable. The remains of the two larger buildings between the dorm complexes are the commons areas, men's and women's.

Matt lived in the farthest right and bottom building in the men's complex for two semesters. His room was in the bottom floor closest to the parking lot, on the right. My dorm room, freshman year, is located in the second building to the right also at the farthest end from the commons on the second floor.


McAffee Complex that sustaing the least damage of the dorm complexes. My dorm room, from my sophomore year on, is in the building on the lower left. Looks like it made it through the storm.


It didn't hit us until we started seeing photos of the students. Damage to buildings is one thing, but injured students is completely different.


Damage to student vehicles was extensive.

Tornadoes ripped through my alma mater

It's just crazy. Matt and I watched video of our university's dorms absolutely devastated by last nights tornado in Jackson, TN. The main extent of the damage was in the dorm areas, although some administrative and classrooms were affected too. I found this clip of Union's president assessing the damage this morning.

Tenn. university devastated by damage

It's official ... August 16th

I had my first doctor appointment, with more to come, today. Matt and Isa came with me. It's important to me that Isa is a part of the process as much as possible. She was so excited while we were in the lobby, seeing all the women with babies in their tummies and then looking at me saying, "mommy, you have a baby in your tummy too." She's just precious.

When they called my name, we made our way back to get some initial stuff taken care of. You know, the 100 questions about your medical history, checking blood pressure, weight, and height. I sometimes think I'm boring because my answers are nearly always no. When it comes to Matt, that's entirely the opposite. Most nurses we meet are intrigued by his medical past (and current), and this case was no exception. Especially considering the reason for my visit.

After all of the measurements were made and questions answered, we were lead to a room in the back where you could see a small ultrasound machine. I told Matt yesterday that they would take a look at the baby. I was right.

We waited for just a few minutes when the doctor made her way in. This is only my second appointment with her (my previous OB/GYN retired) and she seemed great initially. She was very upbeat and obviously excited for us. She introduced herself to Isa and chatted with her for a bit about the baby. I like the fact that she took the time to do that. I really like this lady.

We finally got underway, and she brought a nurse in to assist with the ultrasound. Honestly, it's not a pleasant experience, seeing as they use a vaginal ultrasound on the initial visit. But, here's to 7 1/2 months of unpleasant experiences (I'm 7 weeks along), not counting post-partum of course. Right away you could see the cashew-shaped fetus with tiny heart beating. Isa got a real kick out of it. Matt and I did as well.

All looked well and the doctor sent me up for my labs and to schedule my 2 upcoming appointments. I have one every 4 weeks. But, April 3rd will be the much anticipated on of all. For me at least. That's the one where we get to see whether we're having a little Ben or little Carmen.

I am, as of today, 7 weeks and 2 days pregnant. The due date is August 16th and that means I have a long summer ahead of me.

Stay tuned ..